How Exposed Is Your Business to an ICE Audit?
Answer 8 questions about your current I-9 practices. We'll score your compliance risk, estimate your fine exposure, and give you specific recommendations — for free.
Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team
Last updated:
Question 1 of 8
How many employees does your business have?
Why I-9 Compliance Risk Matters
Industries with high immigrant workforce percentages — construction, agriculture, restaurants, and hospitality — face disproportionately higher ICE audit frequency. Under the 2026 DHS penalty schedule (8 CFR § 274a.10), first-offense fines range from $252 to $2,507 per form with violations. Repeat offenders face $2,507 to $6,269 per form.
Section 2 must be completed no later than the employee's first day of work. Employers who complete Section 2 late have a substantive violation — not merely a technical one — which ICE cannot excuse even with good-faith evidence.
Employers who receive an ICE Notice of Inspection and respond in an organized, documented manner typically face lower fines than those who are unprepared. Good-faith effort is one of five statutory factors ICE weighs when setting penalties.
I9AuditReady provides compliance tools and informational resources — not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.